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Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued all 16 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads.
The Army said the rescue operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard subsequently launched a coordinated search and rescue operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters.
During the operation, the security team reportedly made contact with the kidnappers, leading to a gun battle.
The Army said the kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated response of the security forces, abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
All 16 victims were subsequently rescued. They comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children.
The rescued victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.
However, the operation came at a cost, as one local hunter participating in the rescue mission was killed during the encounter.
A police officer also sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.
The Nigerian Army commended the security personnel and local stakeholders involved in the operation, describing the rescue as another demonstration of the importance of joint operations in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army also praised residents for providing timely and credible information that contributed to the success of the operation.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities to security agencies through appropriate channels.
